1959 Ford Prefect vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (59 HP) has 21 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 165 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Prefect is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1981 Volkswagen Santana (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Ford Prefect | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Prefect | Santana |
Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 996 cc | 1296 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 38 HP | 59 HP |
Torque | 72 Nm | 100 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 965 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2560 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |